Diaconate History & Evolution

The Order of Deacons
His Grace Bishop Matteos

Deacon, is a Syrian word meaning servant. The responsibility of the deacon is to help the priest or bishop perform the religious ministry. The first church appointed seven deacons who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to help in service, The twelve summoned the multitude of disciples and said: Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:2,3). When they were chosen, they set them before the apostles and when they had prayed they laid hands on them (Acts 6:6). The apostles stipulated the following three conditions for nominating deacons:

They must be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

They should be appointed by the apostles through the laying on of hands with prayers.

They should carry out certain responsibilities in the church.

Our teacher St. Paul also specified the requirements of a deacon, in his First Epistle to Timothy (3:8-13): Likewise deacons must be:

reverent

not double tongued

not given to too much wine(drunkenness)

not greedy for money

holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience

ruling their children and their houses well

should be tested first, and then proved and found blameless, so they can be ordained (1 Timothy 3:10)

Although the rank of deacon is the most junior rank of priesthood, St. Paul praises it saying, For those who served well as deacons, obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:13).

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Please be mindful of all the posted signs Please note that when leaving out of the driveway, we must make a right turn only on US Hwy. 206. Within the driveway, it’s one way only when going around the church.

Please be mindful of the Church’s teaching on proper clothing to be worn in a church, especially on the day of the Lord, Sunday. • General Rule: More Fabric=More Respect; Less Fabric=Less Respect • Children are to follow SAME dress code as the adults as a process of learning & training • Gentlemen – No shorts, blue jeans, or short sleeves. No…

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